This is just one of the science experiments we did this summer as part of our "World Tour" with the kids. Once a week we'd do a science project. This particular week we learned about how plants drink water. We dyed the water different colors and then could see how the flower had drunk the water through it's stem to the petals. It was so interesting to see the outcome!
The evening of July 3rd was when our community held their fireworks for the July 4th Celebration. We grilled hot dogs with some neighbor friends and then went to the fireworks with them. It was so much fun.
The morning of July 4th we participated in a local neighborhood parade. The boys decorated their bikes to ride in it. We walked along with them. We loved being part of the parade!
Here is the Birthday breakfast. He wanted Apple Strudel muffins with Granola and yogurt.
Troy is such a great Dad!
Cole's present to Troy was a monster truck that opens up it's jaws and sticks out its tongue.
Taylor's present to Troy was a Smencil (a smelly pencil- flavor: Grape). They are very popular at school.
Troy originally requested cheesecake, but I reminded him that's what he had last year and we both got sick because we didn't think to refrigerate it. He quickly changed his mind to peach cobbler. Since the kids won't eat that, we had both the cobbler and this plain cake. Happy Birthday Troy! We love you!
Here we are deciphering one of the clues that led us to Valley Forge.
Here we are at Valley Forge with Taylor, Cole, Megan, Maddie, Sarah, and Ben.
Here is another shot of the crew walking into the Visitor's Center at Valley Forge.
That night, Taylor lost his first front tooth. He was slightly shocked, but very pleased to be so big! Thanks Aunt Anna for pulling it. You're the best!
Anna and Brent are such great examples to us! Thanks for being willing to make the drive and sacrifice to visit us and make it possible to see Mom!
We visited the Liberty Bell the next day. The pictures with the Bell were too dark to really see.
Taylor and Ben had great fun playing together!
Lucy, Sarah, and Cole
We had many happy helpers with Lucy. Maddie was one always willing to hold her. What a sweetie! Thanks, Maddie.
We are so grateful for the time we could spend with them! Thanks for coming to see us! We will forever remember the true "treasure" we found.
Also, in March Taylor had a Spring Concert. They sang the songs they have been learning all year in Music class. He was one of a few kids who had speaking parts. He did a great job, and was much more relaxed once he was done. We are so proud of him!
Lastly, in March, Taylor lost his other front tooth. He pulled it himself! Doesn't he look great with his new smile?
We spent a few hours at the Washington D.C. Zoo one Saturday when we attended the Temple. There are so many fun things to do and see. It is free to go to the Zoo, however you do have to pay for parking. The boys are putting their hands in a large footprint of a dinosaur.
This picture needs no explanation. When the boys first saw Night at the Museum they were terrified of the T-Rex skeleton that could move. They are a little more than a mouthful for this big guy.
Another Saturday we went to the Franklin Institute Museum. They had a huge display of giant arteries that showed different stages of plaque buildup. Taylor and Cole are inside one of the healthy arteries. Healthy eating makes such a difference.
The kids got a bug making kit. We had fun making them together. Thankfully many of these bugs do not naturally exist this big. These are the only insects/bugs that are welcome in our home.... ok, so the plastic kind are ok too.
After the kids were in bed, I was working on cleaning the kitchen and doing the dishes. Lucy woke up and was a little fussy. Troy got her and she quieted down. Later on, when I was done in the kitchen, I came out and found this snuggly sight. I know Lucy isn't so little anymore, but she is still little. Troy is such a great father!
Cole is telling Santa that he wants a car carrier that holds 12 cars.
Taylor looks so big sitting on Santa's lap. He asked for a two wheeled scooter.
This is a sight we don't see as much anymore since I had to return all our library books before Christmas. I was negligent (there's that word again!) and accrued a ridiculous balance in fines. We won't say how much I owe, but I've maxed out the $10 limit before you can check out more books. I am hoping there will be a National Library day and they will "forgive" all my fines. Until then, one of the kids may have to get a library card so we can enjoy books again.
Some may say this is "negligent" of a parent to allow such a bow to be placed on a child's head. Lucy moves her head from side to side and it makes the bow slip down (I don't put them on her head very tight, so they slip.) She is such a good baby, she doesn't complain when the bow blocks her vision. See, she already knows that s should wear bows and that fashion is not without sacrifice.
Isn't this a great picture. This is one of the many pictures Troy and the kids took, trying to get one for a frame they made me for Christmas. The frame reads "Mom's Fan Club". This is my favorite present! Mostly because I love them so much and desire the best for each of them. I also know that I need their support and love to become the Mother and Wife they deserve.
This is Christmas Eve. The boys carefully chose cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. They lovingly wrote one last note for Santa (so there wouldn't be any confusion as to what they wanted) and were in bed by 10 pm (yes, it was a busy evening with all the traditions).
Christmas Day was another busy day, but memorable. We spent the morning as a family, opening presents; and then while the boys played with their new toys, Troy and I worked together to prepare dinner. We invited several other families over. We enjoyed having about 25 people for dinner to share the joys of this holiday season. It was a full house, but would love to have more next year.
